NORTHERN UNITED V PETONE

Semi Final Petone will have their work cut out for them when they travel to Porirua Park to play Northern United in their Jubilee Cup semi-final. Norths, who qualified first in round-robin play will be considered favourites for this clash, especially if they can emulate their storming run of form from recent weeks.

Aside from a hiccup back in round two, when they lost narrowly to Marist St. Pats, Norths have enjoyed a buoyant campaign to date. Since winning the Swindale Shield two months ago Petone have been inconsistent. Notwithstanding the loss of several key players since then they have struggled to maintain any real momentum.

These two teams met two weeks ago and Norths won in a canter, 29-10, but another huge factor for this game will be the home ground advantage for Norths. The most well supported club in Wellington, there will legions of fans on hand.

Norths are capable of ripping any team apart and can score tries from any situation. Equally pertinent is their strength and composure on defence. If their attacking game is awry they can defend their line with as much gusto. They have power and depth right through their team, but it is their loose forwards that could punish Petone. Openside Tui Meavao has had an outstanding season and has scored eight tries, while blindside Iliki ?Nails? Naikatini is a tough customer, and along with number eight 8 Faifili Levave they form an imposing loose trio.

Petone can call upon veteran No. 8 Martin Leslie to negate these players and their tight forwards will certainly give as good as they get. Look out too for right wing Willie Moala, who leads the try-scoring stakes in 2004 with 15.